Methods and apparatus for controlling access to a virtual white line (VWL) image for an excavation project

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. A limited access file comprising information relating to the marked-up image may be transmitted to at least one party associated with the at least one underground facility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/151,769, entitled“MULTI-GENERATIONAL VIRTUAL WHITE LINES (VWL) FOR DELIMITING PLANNEDEXCAVATION SITES OF STAGED EXCAVATION PROJECTS,” filed on Feb. 11, 2009,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Excavators are required to notify underground facility owners in advanceof their excavation activities and to describe and communicate thegeographic area of those activities to the underground facility owners.As a result, excavators may submit a work order (i.e., locate request orticket) to, for example, a one-call center, which serves as notificationto underground facility owners. A locate request (or ticket) may be anycommunication or instruction to perform a locate operation at a certaindig area, which is any specified geographic area within which excavationmay occur. One call centers may receive locate requests from excavatorsvia electronic delivery or verbally through a telephone conversationbetween the excavator and a human call center operator. Whethercommunicated electronically or verbally, excavators must describe theplanned geographic locations of dig areas. This description may beultimately reduced to text, which, along with other data about a locaterequest, is communicated to the appropriate locate service provider.

Textual descriptions of dig areas can be very imprecise as to exactphysical locations. In addition, addresses which are provided may beunclear, indicating only cross streets and vague descriptions of theextent of the dig area. Therefore, when a locate request is submitted byan excavator, it may be beneficial for the excavator to supplement thelocate request with a visit to the site of the dig area for the purposeof delimiting and/or otherwise indicating the particular geographiclocation of the proposed excavation. For example, marks may be used tophysically delimit a dig area. These marks may consist of chalk or paintthat is applied to the surface of the ground, and are generally known as“white lines.” The delimited dig area indicates to a locate technicianthe extent of the boundaries where a locate operation is to be performedaccording to the locate request that was submitted by the excavator.

However, the use of these physical white lines to physically delimit thedig area may be limited. For example, these physical white lines provideonly a temporary indication of the dig area, as the physical white linesmay deteriorate or be eliminated over time by such events asprecipitation, excessive pedestrian or vehicle traffic, erosion, theexcavation process, or numerous other events. Therefore, a need existsfor improved ways of delimiting and/or otherwise indicating the proposedexcavation site in a more permanent and/or reproducible manner.

Further, certain excavation projects may be suitably large to requirethat locate operations be performed in multiple stages and/or phasesover a period of time. In one example, an excavation project alongseveral miles of a highway may be performed over several days, weeks,and/or months. In another example, an excavation project of a largeresidential or commercial subdivision again may be performed overseveral days, weeks, and/or months. The request for locate operationswith respect to a multiple-stage excavation project that spans a periodof time may be submitted via multiple individual tickets. Alternatively,this request for may be submitted under a single ticket, which ishereafter referred to as a “project ticket.” The locate operations withrespect to multiple-stage excavation projects must be coordinatedbetween excavators and locate personnel, such as locate technicians. Forexample, throughout the multiple stages of the excavation project, theremay be communication between excavators and locate technicians about thelocation of the respective subsections of the overall dig area to belocated and about the timing of the respective locate operations.Further, at each stage of the project excavators may delimit and/orotherwise indicate the respective subsections of the overall dig area tobe located using physical white lines.

Currently, with respect to multiple-stage excavation projects, thecommunication process between excavators and locate technicians may bepoorly coordinated due to poor infrastructure and, therefore, theday-to-day activities of excavators and locate personnel may be poorlysynchronized. As a result, there is a risk of locate operationsoccurring at the wrong subsections of the project dig area and/or at thewrong times. This leads to poor operating efficiencies and, perhaps,lost profit with respect to both excavation companies and locatecompanies. Furthermore, excavators may perform the planned excavationwith a certain amount of uncertainty as to whether a certain locateoperation of the project ticket is complete and with limited confidencethat the certain locate operation of the project ticket has beenperformed satisfactorily. As a result, there is a certain amount of riskof damage to underground facilities.

Consequently, a need exists for improved synchronization betweenexcavators and locate personnel with respect to multiple-stageexcavation projects in order to better coordinate the day-to-dayactivities, thereby improving operating efficiency. Further, a needexists for improved communication mechanisms between excavators andlocate personnel with respect to project tickets in order to improveefficiency; reduce uncertainty and, thereby, reduce the risk of damageto underground facilities; and improve information exchange for makingbetter and more timely decisions with respect to allocating resources.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods,apparatus and systems for creating an electronic record relating to ageographic area including one or more dig areas to be excavated orotherwise disturbed. As part of the electronic record, the dig areas aresomehow identified with respect to its immediate surroundings in thegeographic area. For example, to create such an electronic record, oneor more input images relating to the geographic area including the digareas may be utilized. For example, source data representing one or moreinput images of a geographic area including the dig area is receivedand/or processed so that the input image(s) may be displayed on adisplay device. At least one dig area is then indicated in some manneron the displayed input image(s) so as to generate one or more marked-upimages constituting at least a portion of the electronic record.

In some implementations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein, theelectronic record may include a variety of non-image information, suchas to facilitate identification of a dig area and/or provide informationconcerning a multi-stage excavation process. Such non-image informationmay include, for example, a text description of the dig area, an addressor lot number of a property within which the dig area is located,geo-encoded information such as geographic coordinates relating to thedig area and/or various aspects of the geographic area surrounding thedig area, one or more ticket numbers, etc. The marked-up image(s) andthe non-image information may be formatted in a variety of manners inthe electronic record; for example, in one implementation the non-imageinformation may be included as metadata associated with the marked-upimage(s), while in other implementations the marked-up image(s) and thenon-image information may be formatted as separate data sets. Theseseparate data sets may be transmitted and/or stored separately, but maynonetheless be linked together in some manner as relating to a commonelectronic record.

One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for facilitatingdetection of a presence or an absence of at least one undergroundfacility within a plurality of dig areas comprising a first dig area andat least one additional dig area, wherein at least a portion of theplurality of dig areas may be excavated or disturbed during excavationactivities. The method comprises: A) electronically receiving sourcedata representing at least one input image of a geographic areaincluding the first dig area and the at least one additional dig area,wherein the first dig area corresponds to a first stage of an stagedexcavation project and the at least one additional dig area correspondsto at least one subsequent stage of the staged excavation project; B)processing the source data so as to display at least a portion of the atleast one input image on a display device; C) adding, via at least oneuser input device associated with the display device, at least one firstindicator to the displayed at least one input image to provide at leastone indication of the first dig area and thereby generate a firstgeneration marked-up digital image; D) adding, via the at least one userinput device, at least one additional indicator to the first generationmarked-up digital image to provide at least one indication of the atleast one additional dig area and thereby generate a multi-generationalmarked-up digital image; and E) electronically transmitting and/orelectronically storing information relating to the multi-generationalmarked-up digital image so as to facilitate the detection of thepresence or the absence of the at least one underground facility withinthe plurality of dig areas.

Another embodiment is directed to at least one computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processingunit, perform a method for facilitating detection of a presence or anabsence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, whereinat least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed duringexcavation activities. The method comprises: A) electronically receivingsource data representing at least one input image of a geographic areaincluding the first dig area and the at least one additional dig area,wherein the first dig area corresponds to a first stage of an stagedexcavation project and the at least one additional dig area correspondsto at least one subsequent stage of the staged excavation project; B)processing the source data so as to display at least a portion of the atleast one input image on a display device; C) receiving at least onefirst user input via at least one user input device associated with thedisplay device; D) adding, based on the at least one first user input,at least one first indicator to the displayed at least one input imageto provide at least one indication of the first dig area and therebygenerate a first generation marked-up digital image; E) receiving atleast one second user input via the at least one user input device; F)adding, based on the at least one second user input, at least oneadditional indicator to the first generation marked-up digital image toprovide at least one indication of the at least one additional dig areaand thereby generate a multi-generational marked-up digital image; andG) electronically transmitting and/or electronically storing informationrelating to the multi-generational marked-up digital image so as tofacilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at leastone underground facility within the plurality of dig areas,

A further embodiment is directed to an apparatus for facilitatingdetection of a presence or an absence of at least one undergroundfacility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig areamay be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Theapparatus comprises: a communication interface; a display device; atleast one user input device; a memory to store processor-executableinstructions; and a processing unit coupled to the communicationinterface, the display device, the at least one user input device, andthe memory, wherein upon execution of the processor-executableinstructions by the processing unit. The processing unit: controls thecommunication interface to electronically receive source datarepresenting at least one input image of a geographic area including thefirst dig area and the at least one additional dig area, wherein thefirst dig area corresponds to a first stage of an staged excavationproject and the at least one additional dig area corresponds to at leastone subsequent stage of the staged excavation project; controls thedisplay device to display at least a portion of the at least one inputimage; acquires at least one first user input from the at least one userinput device; generates a first generation marked-up digital imageincluding at least one first indicator overlaid on the at least oneinput image to provide at least one indication of the first dig area;acquires at least one second user input from the at least one user inputdevice; generates a multi-generational marked-up digital image includingat least one additional indicator overlaid on the first generationmarked-up digital image to provide at least one indication of the atleast one additional dig area; and further controls the communicationinterface and/or the memory to electronically transmit and/orelectronically store information relating to the multi-generationalmarked-up digital image so as to facilitate the detection of thepresence or the absence of the at least one underground facility withinthe plurality of dig areas.

Another embodiment is directed to a method for facilitating detection ofa presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within aplurality of dig areas comprising a first dig area and a second digarea, wherein at least a portion of the first and second dig areas maybe excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. The methodcomprises: A) electronically receiving first source data representing afirst input image of a geographic area including a first dig area,wherein the first dig area corresponds to a first stage of an stagedexcavation project; B) processing the first source data so as to displayat least a portion of the first input image on the display device; C)adding, via at least one user input device associated with the displaydevice, at least one first indicator to the displayed first input imageto provide at least one indication of the first dig area and therebygenerate a first marked-up digital image; D) electronically receivingsecond source data representing a second input image of a geographicarea including a second dig area, wherein the second dig areacorresponds to a subsequent stage of the staged excavation project; E)processing the second source data so as to display at least a portion ofthe second input image on the display device; F) adding, via the atleast one user input device, at least one second indicator to thedisplayed second input image to provide at least one indication of thesecond dig area and thereby generate a second marked-up digital image;and G) electronically transmitting and/or electronically storing firstinformation relating to the first marked-up digital image together withsecond information relating to the second marked-up digital image so asto facilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the atleast one underground facility within the first and second dig areas.

A further embodiment is directed to at least one computer-readablemedium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least oneprocessing unit, perform a method for facilitating detection of apresence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a digarea, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities. The method comprises: A)electronically receiving first source data representing a first inputimage of a geographic area including a first dig area, wherein the firstdig area corresponds to a first stage of an staged excavation project;B) processing the first source data so as to display at least a portionof the first input image on the display device; C) receiving at leastone first user input via at least one user input device associated withthe display device; D) adding, based on the at least one first userinput, at least one first indicator to the displayed first input imageto provide at least one indication of the first dig area and therebygenerate a first marked-up digital image; E) electronically receivingsecond source data representing a second input image of a geographicarea including a second dig area, wherein the second dig areacorresponds to a subsequent stage of the staged excavation project; F)processing the second source data so as to display at least a portion ofthe second input image on the display device; G) receiving at least onesecond user input via the at least one user input device; H) adding,based on the at least one second user input, at least one secondindicator to the displayed second input image to provide at least oneindication of the second dig area and thereby generate a secondmarked-up digital image; and I) electronically transmitting and/orelectronically storing first information relating to the first marked-updigital image together with second information relating to the secondmarked-up digital image so as to facilitate the detection of thepresence or the absence of the at least one underground facility withinthe first and second dig areas.

Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for facilitatingdetection of a presence or an absence of at least one undergroundfacility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig areamay be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Theapparatus comprises: a communication interface; a display device; atleast one user input device; a memory to store processor-executableinstructions; and a processing unit coupled to the communicationinterface, the display device, the at least one user input device, andthe memory, wherein upon execution of the processor-executableinstructions by the processing unit. The processing unit: controls thecommunication interface to electronically receive first source datarepresenting a first input image of a geographic area including a firstdig area, wherein the first dig area corresponds to a first stage of anstaged excavation project; controls the display device to display atleast a portion of the first input image on the display device; acquiresat least one first user input from the at least one user input device;generates a first marked-up digital image including at least one firstindicator overlaid on the first input image to provide at least oneindication of the first dig area; controls the communication interfaceto electronically receive second source data representing a second inputimage of a geographic area including a second dig area, wherein thesecond dig area corresponds to a subsequent stage of the stagedexcavation project; controls the display device to display at least aportion of the second input image on the display device; acquires atleast one second user input from the at least one user input device;generates a second marked-up digital image including at least one secondindicator overlaid on the second input image to provide at least oneindication of the second dig area; and further controls thecommunication interface and/or the memory to electronically transmitand/or electronically store first information relating to the firstmarked-up digital image together with second information relating to thesecond marked-up digital image so as to facilitate the detection of thepresence or the absence of the at least one underground facility withinthe first and second dig areas.

One embodiment is directed to an apparatus for facilitating detection ofa presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within adig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities. The apparatus comprises acommunication interface; a memory to store processor-executableinstructions; and a processing unit coupled to the communicationinterface and the memory. Upon execution of the processor-executableinstructions by the processing unit, the processing unit digitallysearches the memory to identify a descriptor file corresponding to aticket; based on identifying information in the descriptor file,identifies at least one image corresponding to the ticket, the at leastone image comprising at least one indication of at least one dig area;electronically bundles the at least one image with ticket informationfrom the ticket to generate the ticket bundle; and provides the ticketbundle to at least one party associated with the at least oneunderground facility.

Another embodiment is directed to at least one computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processingunit, perform a method for facilitating detection of a presence or anabsence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, whereinat least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed duringexcavation activities. The method comprises A) digitally searching amemory to identify a descriptor file corresponding to a ticket; B) basedon identifying information in the descriptor file, digitally searchingfor at least one image corresponding to the ticket, the at least oneimage comprising at least one indication of at least one dig area; C)electronically bundling the at least one image with ticket informationfrom the ticket to generate a ticket bundle; and D) providing the ticketbundle to at least one party associated with the at least oneunderground facility.

A further embodiment is directed to a method for facilitating detectionof a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility withinat least one dig area, wherein at least a portion of the at least onedig areas may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities.The method comprises A) digitally searching a memory to identify adescriptor file corresponding to a ticket; B) based on identifyinginformation in the descriptor file, digitally searching for at least oneimage corresponding to the ticket, the at least one image comprising atleast one indication of at least one dig area; C) electronicallybundling the at least one image with ticket information from the ticketto generate a ticket bundle; and D) providing the ticket bundle to atleast one party associated with the at least one underground facility.

Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for facilitatingdetection of a presence or an absence of at least one undergroundfacility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig areamay be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Theapparatus comprises a communication interface; a memory to storeprocessor-executable instructions; and a processing unit coupled to thecommunication interface and the memory. Upon execution of theprocessor-executable instructions by the processing unit, the processingunit: electronically receives, via the communication interface, at leastone image corresponding to at least one ticket or at least one link tothe at least one image, the at least one image comprising at least oneindication of at least one dig area, and data relating to the at leastone image; based on the data relating to the at least one image,identifies ticket information in the memory corresponding to the atleast one ticket; electronically bundles the at least one image or theat least one link with the ticket information to generate a ticketbundle; and provides the ticket bundle, via the communication interface,to at least one party associated with the at least one undergroundfacility.

A further embodiment is directed to at least one computer-readablemedium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least oneprocessing unit, perform a method for facilitating detection of apresence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a digarea, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities. The method comprises A)electronically receiving at least one image corresponding to at leastone ticket or at least one link to the at least one image, the at leastone image comprising at least one indication of at least one dig area,and data relating to the at least one image; B) based on the datarelating to the at least one image, identifying ticket informationcorresponding to the at least one ticket; C) electronically bundling theat least one image or the at least one link with the ticket informationto generate a ticket bundle; and D) providing the ticket bundle to atleast one party associated with the at least one underground facility.

Another embodiment is directed to a method for facilitating detection ofa presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within atleast one dig area, wherein at least a portion of the at least one digareas may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Themethod comprises A) receiving at least one image corresponding to atleast one ticket or at least one link to the at least one image, the atleast one image comprising at least one indication of at least one digarea, and data relating to the at least one image; B) based on the datarelating to the at least one image, identifying ticket informationcorresponding to the at least one ticket; C) electronically bundling theat least one image or the at least one link with the ticket informationto generate a ticket bundle; and D) providing the ticket bundle to atleast one party associated with the at least one underground facility.

A further embodiment is directed to an apparatus for facilitatingdetection of a presence or an absence of at least one undergroundfacility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig areamay be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Theapparatus comprises a communication interface; a memory to storeprocessor-executable instructions; and a processing unit coupled to thecommunication interface and the memory. Upon execution of theprocessor-executable instructions by the processing unit, the processingunit: electronically receives, via the communication interface, at leastone user input relating to the dig area; based on the at least one userinput, renders a digital virtual white line image including at least oneindicator to provide at least one indication of the dig area withrespect to a geographic area; and transmits a limited access filecomprising information relating to the digital virtual white line image,via the communication interface, to at least one party associated withthe at least one underground facility so as to facilitate the detectionof the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facilitywithin the dig area.

Another embodiment is directed to a method for facilitating detection ofa presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within adig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities. The method comprises A)electronically receiving at least one user input relating to the digarea; B) based on the at least one user input, rendering a digitalvirtual white line image including at least one indicator to provide atleast one indication of the dig area with respect to a geographic area;and C) electronically transmitting a limited access file comprisinginformation relating to the digital virtual white line image to at leastone party associated with the at least one underground facility so as tofacilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at leastone underground facility within the dig area.

A further embodiment is directed to at least one computer-readablemedium encoded with instructions that when executed by at least oneprocessing unit, perform a method for facilitating detection of apresence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a digarea, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities. The method comprises A)electronically receiving at least one user input relating to the digarea; B) based on the at least one user input, rendering a digitalvirtual white line image including at least one indicator to provide atleast one indication of the dig area with respect to a geographic area;and C) electronically transmitting a limited access file comprisinginformation relating to the digital virtual white line image to at leastone party associated with the at least one underground facility so as tofacilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at leastone underground facility within the dig area.

This application incorporates by reference the following U.S. publishedpatent applications: U.S. publication no. 2008-0228294-A1, publishedSep. 18, 2008, filed Mar. 13, 2007, and entitled “Marking System andMethod With Location and/or Time Tracking;” and U.S. publication no.2008-0245299-A1, published Oct. 9, 2008, filed Apr. 4, 2007, andentitled “Marking System and Method.” Further, this applicationincorporates by reference the following co-pending U.S. patentapplication: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/422,364, entitled“VIRTUAL WHITE LINES (VWL) APPLICATION FOR INDICATING A PLANNEDEXCAVATION OR LOCATE PATH,” filed on Apr. 13, 2009.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generallybeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believedto be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings as set forth below:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a multi-generationalvirtual white lines application for delimiting planned excavation sitesof staged excavation projects, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a view of a multi-generational virtual white linesimage, which shows the one image-to-multiple virtual white linesscenario of the multi-generational virtual white lines application,according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate views of a virtual white lines image series,which shows the multiple image-to-multiple virtual white lines scenarioof the multi-generational virtual white lines application, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of a multi-generationalvirtual white lines system that includes the multi-generational virtualwhite lines application, according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a flow diagram of an example of a method ofoperation and/or of using the multi-generational virtual white linessystem, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a sketch 700, representing an exemplary input image;

FIG. 8 shows a map 800, representing an exemplary input image;

FIG. 9 shows a facility map 900, representing an exemplary input image;

FIG. 10 shows a construction/engineering drawing 1000, representing anexemplary input image;

FIG. 11 shows a land survey map 1100, representing an exemplary inputimage;

FIG. 12 shows a grid 1200, overlaid on the land survey map 1100 of FIG.11, representing an exemplary input image; and

FIG. 13 shows a street level image 1300, representing an exemplary inputimage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and embodiments of, inventive methods and apparatusaccording to the present disclosure for associating one or more virtualwhite line images with corresponding ticket information for a givenexcavation project. It should be appreciated that various conceptsintroduced above and discussed in greater detail below may beimplemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are notlimited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specificimplementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrativepurposes.

Various embodiments described herein are directed to methods, apparatusand systems for creating an electronic record relating to a geographicarea including a dig area to be excavated or otherwise disturbed. Theelectronic record may comprise one or more virtual white line (VWL)images for delimiting one or more planned excavation sites. In someexamples, the excavation projects are staged excavation projects, andthe term “multi-generational” refers to the excavation stages ofmultiple related tickets and/or a project ticket. One or more VWL imagesmay be created using a VWL application that allows a user to generate(e.g., draw) one or more virtual white lines for electronicallydelimiting one or more dig areas. The virtual white line(s) may beoverlaid on an input image depicting a geographic area including one ormore dig areas, for example. In a multistage excavation project, each ofthe multiple virtual white lines may be manually and/or automaticallyordered and dated with respect to a timetable of the multiple-stageexcavation project. In embodiments described herein relating tomulti-generational staged excavation projects, as well as in otherembodiments relating to more limited excavation projects in connectionwith a given dig area (e.g., as described in some embodiments of methodsand apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008-0228294-A1and 2008-0245299-A1, hereby incorporated herein by reference), methodsand apparatus according to the present disclosure allow the image(s) andother information associated with one or more virtual white lines to beelectronically bundled with the ticket information and dispatched to thelocate personnel for viewing when performing the locate operation(s).

The multi-generational VWL application, system and/or method describedherein may provide tools for clearly conveying information about plannedexcavation, such as a multiple-stage excavation project. The informationmay comprise, for example, the limits of one or more dig areas. Theinformation about the planned excavation may be provided in asubstantially permanent and/or reproducible manner so that theinformation may be referenced throughout the duration of the plannedexcavation. Plans for staged excavation may be documented with respectto, for example, multiple related tickets and/or project tickets.

Further, the multi-generational VWL application, system and/or methoddescribed herein may provide improved communication mechanisms betweenexcavators and locate personnel for synchronizing staged excavationactivities and locate operations. As a result, improved operatingefficiency may be achieved for both excavation companies and locateservice providers. Improved information exchange allows excavationcompanies and locate service providers to make better and more timelydecisions with respect to allocating resources.

The improved tools and communication mechanisms between excavators andlocate personnel may reduce or eliminate the uncertainty for excavatorsabout the status and/or quality of locate operations, and thereby reduceor eliminate the risk of damage to underground facilities.

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplarymulti-generational VWL application 100 for delimiting planned excavationsites of staged excavation projects. Multi-generational VWL application100 may be, for example, a web-based application that is accessible viathe Internet. In another embodiment multi-generational VWL application100 may be a desktop application that is running on the user's localcomputing device.

Multi-generational VWL application 100 may include, but is not limitedto, a VWL user interface 110 that may farther include a drawing tool 112and an information processing component 114. Certain inputs to the VWLapplication may include, but are not limited to, one-call centerinformation 116, input images 118, and user inputs received via one ormore user input devices 134. Certain outputs of multi-generational VWLapplication 100 may include, but are not limited to, one or moremulti-generational VWL images 122 and/or a collection ofmulti-generational VWL images 122 that are arranged in a series, such asVWL image series 124, along with a corresponding set of descriptor files126.

VWL user interface 110 may be a web-based graphical user interface (GUI)that is accessible via the Internet. VWL user interface 110 may providea secure login function, which allows users, such as excavators and/orsystem administrators, to access the functions of multi-generational VWLapplication 100. In one example, excavators may login tomulti-generational VWL application 100 via VWL user interface 110 andenter user-specific information which may be saved in, for example, auser profile. The user-specific information may include, for example,the excavators name, user-ID, and excavation company name.

Drawing tool 112 may be a drawing application, which, in excavationapplications, may be used by excavators as a dig area marking tool. Morespecifically, drawing tool 112 may be used by the excavator to addmarkings to any digital image that corresponds to the geographiclocation of the dig area, which may be read into multi-generational VWLapplication 100 from input images 118.

It should be appreciated that the multi-generational virtual white linesapplication described in connection with FIG. 1 is merely exemplary andthat many implementations of such an application are possible. Forexample, the drawing application or dig area marking tool applicationdescribed in each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/366,853entitled “VIRTUAL WHITE LINES FOR INDICATING PLANNED EXCAVATION SITES ONELECTRONIC IMAGES” filed on Feb. 6, 2009, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/050,555 entitled “VIRTUAL WHITE LINES FOR DELIMITING PLANNEDEXCAVATION SITES” filed on Mar. 18, 2008, which are hereby incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties, may be configured to createsingle or multi-generational virtual white line images. In addition, theuser device described in each of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.12/366,853 and 12/050,555 may be used as a hardware interface to createthe multi-generational VWL images described herein.

For purposes of the present disclosure, an input image 118 is any imagerepresented by source data that is electronically processed (e.g., thesource data is in a computer-readable format) to display the image on adisplay device. An input image 118 may include any of a variety ofpaper/tangible image sources that are scanned (e.g., via an electronicscanner) or otherwise converted so as to create source data (e.g., invarious formats such as XML, PDF, JPG, BMP, etc.) that can be processedto display the input image 118. An input image 118 also may include animage that originates as source data or an electronic file withoutnecessarily having a corresponding paper/tangible copy of the image(e.g., an image of a “real-world” scene acquired by a digital stillframe or video camera or other image acquisition device, in which thesource data, at least in part, represents pixel information from theimage acquisition device).

In some exemplary implementations, input images 118 described herein maybe created, provided, and/or processed by a geographic informationsystem (GIS) that captures, stores, analyzes, manages and presents datareferring to (or linked to) location, such that the source datarepresenting the input image 118 includes pixel information from animage acquisition device (corresponding to an acquired “real world”scene or representation thereof), and/or spatial/geographic information(“geo-encoded information”). In this manner, a GIS provides a frameworkfor data manipulation and display of images that may facilitate one ormore of (a) location verification, (b) location correlation, (c)locational relationships, (d) district coding, (e) route analysis, (f)area analysis and (g) mapping/display creation, for example.

In view of the foregoing, various examples of input images and sourcedata representing input images 118 described herein, to which theinventive concepts disclosed herein may be applied, include but are notlimited to:

-   -   Manual “free-hand” paper sketches of the geographic area (which        may include one or more buildings, natural or man-made        landmarks, property boundaries, streets/intersections, public        works or facilities such as street lighting, signage, fire        hydrants, mail boxes, parking meters, etc.). FIG. 7 shows an        exemplary sketch 700;    -   Various maps indicating surface features and/or extents of        geographical areas, such as street/road maps (e.g., map 800 of        FIG. 8), topographical maps, military maps, parcel maps, tax        maps, town and county planning maps, call-center and/or facility        polygon maps, virtual maps, etc. (such maps may or may not        include geo-encoded information);    -   Facility maps illustrating installed underground facilities,        such as gas, power, telephone, cable, fiber optics, water,        sewer, drainage, etc. Facility maps may also indicate        street-level features (streets, buildings, public facilities,        etc.) in relation to the depicted underground facilities.        Examples of facility maps include CAD drawings that may be        created and viewed with a GIS to include geo-encoded information        (e.g., metadata) that provides location information (e.g.,        infrastructure vectors) for represented items on the facility        map. An exemplary facility map 900 is shown in FIG. 9;    -   Architectural, construction and/or engineering drawings and        virtual renditions of a space/geographic area (including “as        built” or post-construction drawings). An exemplary        construction/engineering drawing 1000 is shown in FIG. 10;    -   Land surveys, i.e., plots produced at ground level using        references to known points such as the center line of a street        to plot the metes and bounds and related location data regarding        a building, parcel, utility, roadway, or other object or        installation. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary land survey map 1100;    -   A grid (a pattern of horizontal and vertical lines used as a        reference) to provide representational geographic information        (which may be used “as is” for an input image 118 or as an        overlay for an acquired “real world” scene, drawing, map, etc.).        An exemplary grid 1200, overlaid on construction/engineering        drawing 1000, is shown in FIG. 12. It should be appreciated that        the grid 1200 may itself serve as the input image (i.e., a        “bare” grid), or be used together with another underlying input        image;    -   “Bare” data representing geo-encoded information (geographical        data points) and not necessarily derived from an        acquired/captured real-world scene (e.g., not pixel information        from a digital camera or other digital image acquisition        device). Such “bare” data may be nonetheless used to construct a        displayed input image 118, and may be in any of a variety of        computer-readable formats, including XML); and    -   Photographic renderings/images, including street level (see        e.g., street level image 1300 of FIG. 13), topographical,        satellite, and aerial photographic renderings/images, any of        which may be updated periodically to capture changes in a given        geographic area over time (e.g., seasonal changes such as        foliage density, which may variably impact the ability to see        some aspects of the image).

It should also be appreciated that source data representing an inputimage 118 may be compiled from multiple data/information sources; forexample, any two or more of the examples provided above for input imagesand source data representing input images 118, or any two or more otherdata sources, can provide information that can be combined or integratedto form source data that is electronically processed to display an imageon a display device.

Once read into multi-generational VWL application 100 from input images118, a digital image may be rendered in the viewing window of drawingtool 112. In one example, FIG. 1 shows a rendered image 130 that isdisplayed in the viewing window of drawing tool 112. The markings thatthe excavator adds to rendered image 130 are used to graphically delimitand/or otherwise indicate the dig area. For example and referring toFIG. 1, drawing tool 112 may be used to superimpose over or otherwisedisplay one or more “virtual white lines” (VWL) 132 for delimitingand/or otherwise indicating the planned excavation upon rendered image130.

Creating a “single-generational” VWL image is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 12/366,853 and 12/050,055 and may involve thesteps of sending an image to a user via a network; receiving a marked-upversion of the image from the user via the network that includes one ormore virtual white lines added to the image that indicate a dig area inwhich excavation is planned; and providing the marked-up version of theimage, via one of an electronic or tangible delivery system, to anotherentity. The virtual white lines may include two-dimensional (2D) drawingshapes, shades, points, lines, symbols, coordinates, data sets, or otherindicators to indicate on a digital image the dig area in whichexcavation is to occur. A drawing tool may be provided that allows theuser to provide one or more dig area indicators to indicate the dig area(e.g., delimit or mark lines that indicate a line or path of plannedexcavation) and to enter textual information on the image. The marked-upimage may be saved as a VWL image, associated with a certain locaterequest (or ticket), transmitted to locate personnel, and used by locatepersonnel during locate operations with respect to the line or path ofplanned excavation.

In addition to creating “single-generational” VWL images, themulti-generational VWL application 100 described herein provides thecapability to create multi-generational virtual white lines fordelimiting and/or otherwise indicating planned excavation with respectto multiple-stage excavation projects. For example, the virtual whitelines may indicate a line or path of planned excavation with respect tomultiple-stage excavation projects.

As used herein, “virtual white lines” (VWLs) may include lines, such assingle-segment lines, multiple-segment lines, substantially straightlines, curved lines, and the like; 2D drawing shapes; shades; points;symbols; coordinates; data sets; or other indicators to delimit and/orotherwise indicate on an image one or more dig areas in which excavationis to occur. With respect to multiple-stage excavation projects,examples of multi-generational virtual white lines that may be createdusing drawing tool 112 are shown with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

Information processing component 114 may be a software component ofmulti-generational VWL application 100 (e.g., a processing unitexecuting processor-executable instructions stored in memory) forentering and/or associating other information with themulti-generational virtual white lines that are created using drawingtool 112. This information may include excavator-specific, one-callcenter-specific, and/or other ticket information.

Ticket information 116 provides a source of information that may beprocessed using VWL user interface 110 of multi-generational VWLapplication 100. For example, ticket information 116 may include thegeographic location(s) of one or more dig areas designated forexcavation, for which a locate operation is being requested. Ticketinformation 116 generally is provided by a one-call center and mayinclude one or more addresses of dig areas, or other locationinformation (e.g., GPS latitude and longitude coordinates). Also, theticket information 116 may specify a project or multi-stage excavation.Based on address and/or other information, the ticket information 116may be filtered when presented to the user of multi-generational VWLapplication 100.

When an excavator completes the sketch of the virtual white lines of theproposed dig area, e.g., VWL 132 on rendered image 130, the marked-upimage may be saved as one or more multi-generational VWL images 122. Oneor more multi-generational VWL images 122 may be associated withmultiple related tickets and/or a project ticket, as discussed ingreater detail below. In particular, multiple multi-generational VWLimages 122 that are associated with staged excavation may be aggregatedand saved as a VWL image series 124.

In one exemplary implementation, each multi-generational VWL image 122and/or each multi-generational VWL image 122 of a VWL image series 124may have one or more corresponding descriptor files 126. When each VWLimage series 124 is saved, the corresponding descriptor files 126include(s) information about the multi-generational VWL images 122 ofthe VWL image series 124. For example and with respect to multiple-stageexcavation projects, each descriptor file 126 may include, for example,the ticket numbers, the names of multi-generational VWL images 122 ofthe VWL image series 124, the stage number and stage date with respectto the ticket, and the like. Other information that may be included inone or more descriptor files 126 includes, but is not limited to dateand time information indicating when the VWL image was created, anidentifier for the creator of the VWL image (e.g., the excavator),location information (geo-coordinates) for the VWL indicating the digarea (dig area indicators), provider information relating to a service(e.g., the image server 516) for the underlying image on which a VWL iscreated, latitude/longitude and/or altitude information relating to theunderlying image, and the like. Descriptor files 126 provide a mechanismby which the multi-generational VWL application 100 may be queried byanother application, such as a ticket management application, forprocessing multi-generational VWL images 122 of the VWL image series124. In one example, descriptor file(s) 126 may be extensible markuplanguage (XML) files that are created during a save process for themulti-generational VWL images 122. More details of a system and methodof using multi-generational VWL application 100 are described withreference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B,

In a “one image-to-multiple VWL” scenario, when the geographic area ofthe ticket is suitably small to be shown fully on a single image, onlyone image need be read from input images 118 into multi-generational VWLapplication 100 and then multiple virtual white lines are createdthereon in order to delimit the multiple dig areas, respectively, ofstaged excavation of multiple related tickets and/or project ticket. Anexample of this scenario is described with reference to FIG. 2.

In a “multiple image-to-multiple VWL” scenario, when the geographic areaof the multiple related tickets and/or project ticket is suitably largethat it cannot be shown fully with a sufficient level of detail on asingle image, multiple images may be read from input images 118 intomulti-generational VWL application 100 and then at least one virtualwhite line (at least one dig area indicator) is created on each image insuccession. An example of this scenario is described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 2, a view of a multi-generational VWL image 200, whichshows the “one image-to-multiple VWL” scenario of multi-generational VWLapplication 100, is presented. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows anexample in which the geographic area of a certain ticket is suitablysmall to be shown fully on a single image, such as multi-generationalVWL image 200. Multi-generational VWL image 200 further shows multiplevirtual white lines that delimit multiple planned excavations that arestaged to occur over time with respect to the multiple related ticketsand/or project ticket. For example, multi-generational VWL image 200shows a VWL 201, which may be the VWL for the first stage of excavation;a VWL 202, which may be the VWL for the second stage of excavation; aVWL 203, which may be the VWL for the third stage of excavation; and soon through a VWL 211, which may be the VWL for the eleventh stage ofexcavation. VWL 201 through VWL 211 correspond to contiguous stages ofthe multiple-stage project. VWL 201 through VWL 211 are created by useof VWL user interface 110 of multi-generational VWL application 100.

Further, each VWL may be automatically labeled and dated according tothe planned excavation order and dates of the multiple related ticketsand/or project ticket. For example, VWL 201 may be labeled “Stage 1” anddated 05JAN09; VWL 202 may be labeled “Stage 2” and dated 12JAN09; VWL203 may be labeled “Stage 3” and dated 19JAN09; and so on through VWL211, which may be labeled “Stage 11” and dated 16MAR09.

Referring again to FIG. 2, when made available to locate personnel, amulti-generational VWL image, such as multi-generational VWL image 200,and the information associated therewith provides precise clarity as tothe order and timing of locate operations that are associated with themultiple related tickets and/or project ticket. As a result, themulti-generational VWL image of this scenario, which is created usingthe multi-generational VWL application 100 described herein, provides amechanism by which excavators can clearly communicate to locatepersonnel information about the staged excavation, which is useful foroptimally synchronizing the day-to-day activities of excavators andlocate personnel.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, views of a VWL image series 300, which showsthe “multiple image-to-multiple VWL” scenario of multi-generational VWLapplication 100 are presented. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows anexample in which the geographic area of a certain ticket is suitablylarge to require it to be shown across a series of images, such as VWLimage series 300. Further, each image of VWL image series 300 shows atleast one set of virtual white lines. Collectively, the virtual whitelines included in VWL image series 300 delimit multiple plannedexcavations that are staged to occur over time. For example, VWL imageseries 300 may include a multi-generational VWL image 301, amulti-generational VWL image 302, a multi-generational VWL image 303,and a multi-generational VWL image 304.

Additionally, multi-generational VWL image 301 shows a VWL 311, whichmay be the VWL for the first stage of excavation. Multi-generational VWLimage 302 shows a VWL 312, which may be the VWL for the second stage ofexcavation. Multi-generational VWL image 303 shows a VWL 313, which maybe the VWL for the third stage of excavation. Multi-generational VWLimage 304 shows a VWL 314, which may be the VWL for the fourth stage ofexcavation. VWL 311 through VWL 314 correspond to contiguous stages ofthe multiple-stage project. VWL 311 through VWL 314 are created by useof VWL user interface 110 of multi-generational VWL application 100.

Further, each multi-generational VWL image and each VWL of VWL imageseries 300 may be automatically labeled and dated by themultigenerational VWL application 100 according to the plannedexcavation order and dates of the multiple related tickets and/orproject ticket. For example, multi-generational VWL image 301 may belabeled “IMAGE01 OF 04” and VWL 311 may be labeled “Stage 1” and dated02FEB09; multi-generational VWL image 302 may be labeled “IMAGE02 OF 04”and VWL 312 may be labeled “Stage 2” and dated 09FEB09;multi-generational VWL image 303 may be labeled “IMAGE03 OF 04” and VWL313 may be labeled “Stage 37” and dated 16FEB09; and multi-generationalVWL image 304 may be labeled “IMAGE04 OF 04” and VWL 314 may be labeled“Stage 4” and dated 23FEB09.

While FIG. 3 shows details of each multi-generational VWL image of VWLimage series 300 separately, FIG. 4 shows multi-generational VWL images301, 302, 303, and 304 overlaid in a fashion that shows the full scopeof the staged excavations of the multiple related tickets and/or projectticket.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, when made available to locatepersonnel, a VWL image series, such as VWL image series 300, and theinformation associated therewith provides precise clarity as to theorder and timing of locate operations that are associated with themultiple related tickets and/or project ticket. As a result, the VWLimage series of this scenario, which is created using themulti-generational VWL application 100 described herein, provides amechanism by which excavators can clearly communicate to locatepersonnel information about the staged excavation, which is useful foroptimally synchronizing the day-to-day activities of excavators andlocate personnel.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, during the save operation ofmulti-generational VWL application 100, any multi-generational VWLimages created therein may be converted to any standard digital imagefile format, such as JPG file format, and saved to an associated filesystem (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 5, a functional block diagram of a multi-generationalVWL system 500 that includes multi-generational VWL application 100 ispresented. The multi-generational VWL system 500 described herein mayinclude an application server 510, which includes processing unit 502and memory 504 (memory 504 may include one or more storage mediacomponents). In one exemplary implementation, multi-generational VWLapplication 100, which is described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4,is stored in memory 504 (e.g., as processor-executable instructions anddata associated with execution of these instructions) and executed byprocessing unit 502. Application server 510 may be any applicationserver, such as a web application server and/or web portal, by which oneor more excavators 512 may access multi-generational VWL application 100with respect to generating multi-generational virtual white lines.Application server 510 may be accessed by excavators 512 via anynetworked computing device (not shown). Excavators 512 may be anypersonnel associated with excavation companies (not shown), such as, butnot limited to, individuals who are requesting and/or performingexcavation activities.

Multi-generational VWL system 500 may further include one or moreone-call centers 514. One-call centers 514 may be any organizations,entities, and/or systems that receive, process, and/or transmit locaterequests. The locate request (or ticket) may be any communication orinstruction to perform a locate operation compiled as ticket information116. One-call centers are generally owned, controlled, or funded byunderground facility owners, such as telephone companies, cabletelevision multiple system operators, electric utilities, gas utilities,or others. One-call center operations may be managed by a non-profitentity or outsourced to a for-profit firm. Excavators, such asexcavators 512, are required to notify one-call centers in advance oftheir excavation activities and identify through the locate request thedig area where individual excavating activities will be performed.Locate requests include information supplied by the excavator to theone-call center regarding the specific geographic location of the digarea, date, time, purpose of excavation, and so on. The locate request,in turn, requires activity from an underground facility owner (or alocate contractor) to perform a locate operation in the specified digarea pursuant to the ticket information 116.

With respect to multi-generational VWL system 500, one type of locaterequest that may be processed by one-call centers 514 is a projectticket that may warrant a multi-generational VWL image and/or a VWLimage series associated therewith.

Multi-generational VWL system 500 may further include an image server516. Image server 516, which includes processing unit 506 and memory508, stores and provides input images 118. For example, image server 516may be associated with a party that provides aerial images of geographiclocations for a fee. Image server 516 is one example of an entitysupplying input images 118 to multi-generational VWL application 100residing on application server 510.

Multi-generational VWL system 500 may further include a central server520 of, for example, a locate service provider. The central serverincludes processing unit 544 and memory 546, which may include one ormore storage media components. A workforce management application 522 isstored on memory 546 (e.g., as processor-executable instructions) andexecuted by processor 544. In one exemplary implementation, theworkforce management application 522 may include a ticket assemblycomponent 524 which processes the output of the multi-generational VWLapplication 100 and dispatches tickets 526 to locate personnel 528.Locate personnel 528 may be, for example, locate technicians and/orquality control technicians that, for example, perform locateoperations.

More specifically, workforce management application 522 of centralserver 520 may be used to process the locate requests, such as multiplerelated tickets and/or project tickets that are received from one-callcenters 514, and dispatch tickets 526 to locate personnel 528 that arein the field. In particular, ticket assembly component 524 associatesone or more descriptor files 126 with active tickets provided byone-call centers 514, identifies and/or assembles the multi-generationalVWL image(s) 122 (in the form of image files 530) that are specified indescriptor file(s) 126 along with its corresponding ticket information,and bundles all image files and information (e.g., in some cases thedescriptor file(s) themselves) in order to create tickets 526, stored inmemory 546. In particular, one or more machine-readable VWL image files530 (and optionally their associated descriptor file(s)) may be bundledwith the ticket information provided by the one-call center to generatetickets 526 via ticket assembly component 524.

Tickets 526 that are dispatched from central server 520 may be receivedby locate personnel 528 via one or more onsite computers 532. Eachonsite computer 532 may be a computer including processing unit 550 andmemory 552, such as, but not limited to, a computer that is present inthe vehicle that is being used by locate personnel 528. Each onsitecomputer 532 may be, for example, any computing device, such as portablecomputer, a personal computer, a tablet device, a PDA, a cellularradiotelephone, a mobile computing device, a touch-screen device, atouchpad device, or generally any device including, or connected to, aprocessor and a user interface. Preferably, onsite computer 532 is aportable computing device, such as laptop computer or tablet device.Residing in memory 552 of onsite computer 532, may be certain tools,such as a viewer 534, which may be executed by processing unit 550.Viewer 534 may be any viewer application that is capable of reading anddisplaying ticket information and/or digital images, such as VWL imagefiles 530. In one exemplary implementation, one or more VWL image files530 bundled in a ticket 526 may be “limited access files,” e.g.,encoded, encrypted, formatted, compiled and/or named in some particularfashion (e.g., having a proprietary filename extension), and the viewer534 may be particularly designed (i.e., a “custom or proprietary”viewer) such that access to the VWL image files is limited in somemanner (e.g., the image files may only be opened/viewed by thecustomized/proprietary viewer that recognizes the proprietary filenameextension). Additional details of a method of operation and/or usingmulti-generational VWL system 500 are described with reference to FIGS.6A and 6B.

A network 536 provides the communication link between any and/or allentities of multi-generational VWL system 500. For example, network 536provides the communication network by which information may be exchangedbetween application server 510, one-call centers 514, image server 516,central server 520 and onsite computers 532. Network 536 may be, forexample, any local area network (LAN) and/or wide area network (WAN) forconnecting to the Internet.

In order to connect to network 536, each entity of multi-generationalVWL system 500 includes a communication interface. For example, therespective communication interfaces 560 a-e of application server 510,one-call centers 514, image server 516, central server 520 and onsitecomputers 532 may be any wired and/or wireless communication interfaceby which information may be exchanged between any entities ofmulti-generational VWL system 500. Examples of wired communicationinterfaces may include, but are not limited to, USB ports, RS232connectors, RJ45 connectors, Ethernet, and any combinations thereof.Examples of wireless communication interfaces may include, but are notlimited to, an Intranet connection, Internet, Bluetooth® technology,Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, IEEE 802.11 technology, radio frequency (RF), InfraredData Association (IrDA) compatible protocols, Local Area Networks (LAN),Wide Area Networks (WAN), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), anycombinations thereof, and other types of wireless networking protocols.

Multi-generational VWL system 500 is not limited to the types andnumbers of entities that are shown in FIG. 5. Any types and numbers ofentities that may be useful in underground facilities locateapplications may be included in multi-generational VWL system 500.Further, the distribution of storage and processing of data shown inFIG. 5 is merely exemplary, as described below.

For example, in another alternative implementation, rather thanemploying central server 520 in the VWL system 500, a one-call center514 may include and maintain the ticket assembly component 524 (shown inFIG. 5 as part of the workforce management application 522), and mayreceive from the multi-generational VWL application 100 one or more ofmulti-generational VWL images 122, VWL image series 124 (e.g., in theform of image files 530) and/or descriptor file(s) 126 to be associatedwith ticket information 116.

In this example, excavators may initiate locate requests with theone-call center 514 and provide ticket information 116. The one-callcenter 514 may in turn pass the ticket information 116 to the VWLapplication 100, and re-direct the excavator to the VWL application 100for creation of one or more VWL images 122 and/or image series 124. Uponcompletion of the VWL images, the VWL application 100 transmits back tothe ticket assembly component 524 resident at the one-call center 514one or more image files 530 and descriptor file(s) 126, which the ticketassembly component 524 then bundles with the ticket information 116prior to dispatching tickets 526 to locate personnel 528.

It should be appreciated that the methods described above in connectionwith ticket assembly (i.e., bundling of ticket information, one or moreVWL images, and optionally one or more descriptor files) and dispatch ofassembled tickets may be employed for excavation projects involving asingle dig area as well as multi-generational staged excavationprojects. For single-stage projects in which only one VWL image iscreated to identify a single dig area, a sVWL application (e.g., asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/366,853 and12/050,055) may provide to the ticket assembly component (whereverresident) a VWL image file and in some cases a descriptor file (e.g., anXML file), and/or metadata forming part of the VWL image file, includinginformation associated with the VWL image. Examples of information thatmay be included as metadata in the VWL image file or included in thedescriptor file may include, but is not limited to, date and timeinformation indicating when the VWL image was created, an identifier forthe creator of the VWL image (e.g., the excavator), location information(geo-coordinates) for the VWL indicating the dig area (dig areaindicators), provider information relating to a service (e.g., the imageserver 516) for the underlying image on which a VWL is created,latitude/longitude and/or altitude information relating to theunderlying image, and the like. As in the multi-generational VWLimplementation described above, ticket assembly component bundles theVWL image and optionally the metadata and/or descriptor file with theticket information so as to compile a ticket for dispatching to locatepersonnel.

In some instances, for either single-stage or multi-generational stagedexcavation projects, it may be desirable for a single entity or alimited number of entities to retain control over the VWL image file(s)530 and any associated metadata and/or descriptor file(s). For example,it may be desirable for the entity that provides access to a VWLcreation application (e.g., the multi-generational VWL application 100)and has initial control of one or more created VWL images (e.g.,application server 510) to retain control of such VWL images. Onepotential benefit of retaining control of the VWL image(s) once createdis avoiding unauthorized edits to or unauthorized use of the image(s).

According to one example, a “controlling” entity that provides access toa VWL creation application (e.g., the multi-generational VWL application100) retains control of one or more created images, but allows otherentities to access the images in some instances in a limited manner. Forexample, the controlling entity may provide a link (e.g., a hyperlink)to one or more VWL images (e.g., via an e-mail) or otherwise provide aninterface allowing the VWL image(s) to be accessed (e.g., via acustomized or proprietary image viewing application). To maintain theintegrity of the VWL image(s), the application providing access to theVWL image(s) may prohibit copying of, saving of, or writing to theimages. For example, the VWL image may be viewable only using acorresponding image file viewer that allows limited access to the VWLimage. In particular, copy, save and/or write access to the VWL imagemay be prohibited. In these and other respects discussed below, one ormore VWL image files may be stored and/or transmitted as “limited accessfiles.”

The VWL image may, for example, be transmitted to a party associatedwith the at least one underground facility with the corresponding imagefile viewer so that the party may view the VWL image. For example, anexecutable file comprising the VWL image and image file viewer may betransmitted (e.g., a customized image viewer 534 may be transmitted toone or more onsite computers 532). Alternatively, the image file viewermay be downloaded/installed separately, e.g., from a website of thecontrolling entity, or the VWL image may be viewed using an image fileviewer stored and executed on a server of the controlling entity.

In one implementation, the controlling entity may allow access to theVWL image(s) only when a certain condition or conditions are met. Forexample, the controlling entity may require a password protected log-inprocedure for access to the VWL image(s). In particular, the image fileviewer may require a password to permit access to the VWL image. Asanother example, the controlling entity may require acceptance ofcertain terms and/or conditions to permit access to the VWL image.According to one implementation, the image file viewer may be programmedto require an indication of acceptance of terms and/or conditions priorto permitting access to the VWL image. According to yet another example,the controlling entity may charge a fee for permitting a third party toaccess one or more VWL images, such as a per-transaction fee or asubscription fee.

To prevent access to the VWL image unless or until a condition orconditions are met, the VWL image may be encrypted and requiredecryption to be readable. A corresponding image file viewer may berequired to decrypt the VWL image. The VWL image and/or thecorresponding image file viewer may also or alternatively beproprietary, and may have a format specific to the controlling entity.The image file viewer may optionally be programmed to determine whetheran updated version of the image file viewer is available. For example,the image file viewer may interrogate information associated with theVWL image to determine a corresponding version of the image file viewer.If an updated version is found, the viewer may prompt the user toupgrade the application or otherwise facilitate an update.

The VWL image may be transmitted in a variety of different formats. Forexample, the VWL image may be transmitted as an image including virtualwhite lines thereon. Alternatively, the VWL image may be transmitted asa base image with associated metadata and/or a separate file (e.g., anXML file) including information that allows virtual white lines to berendered on or in connection with the base image. Such information maycomprise geographic coordinates specifying the virtual white lines to bedisplayed on the base image. The information included in the metadataand/or separate file may also specify access permissions for the virtualwhite lines. For example, in the case where the information that allowsvirtual white lines to be rendered relates to a plurality of dig sites,virtual white line information for one or more dig sites may haverestricted access such that the corresponding virtual white lines arenot rendered unless certain access conditions are met.

Since the workforce management application 522 may require access to oneor more VWL image file(s) 530 to assemble, attach or otherwise integratethe image file(s) with ticket information, it may be desirable in someimplementations to store and execute the workforce managementapplication 522 on the application server 510, which facilitatescreation of one or more VWL images. Alternatively, the workforcemanagement application 522 may be stored and executed on the centralserver 520 or at one-call centers 514, but the VWL image(s) may bestored remotely. In this case, the bundling performed by the ticketassembly component (wherever resident) may involve, e.g., bundling theinformation of tickets 526 with a link to one or more VWL images orother information specifying or permitting access to the VWL image(s).According to another arrangement, the central server 520 or the one-callcenters 514 may control one or more VWL images by storing the VWLimage(s) and also storing and executing the workforce managementapplication 522.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a flow diagram of an example of a method600 of operation and/or of using multi-generational VWL system 500 ispresented. Method 600 may include, but is not limited to, the followingsteps, which are not limited to any order.

At step 612, a certain excavator 512 requests a ticket number from anycontrolling entity. For example, the excavator 512 calls and/or accessesa web portal of the one-call center 514 and requests, for example, aproject ticket number because the planned excavation is related to aproject wherein excavation is to be performed in multiple stages overtime (e.g., over several days, weeks, and/or months).

At step 614, the certain excavator 512 logs into multi-generational VWLapplication 100 and enters certain information. For example, using theInternet browser of any networked computer, the excavator 512 logs intomulti-generational VWL application 100 at application server 510 inorder to access VWL user interface 110 and certain information, such as,but not limited to, the excavator's name, excavation company name,excavation company location, ticket number, and the dig area addressand/or other location information. Alternatively, the excavator mayenter this information via the one-call center web portal, and theone-call center may redirect the excavator to the multi-generational VWLapplication and pass on to the application some or all of theinformation provided by the excavator (e.g., as an XML file).Information processing component 114 temporarily caches this informationin order to later associate this information as may be necessary ordesirable with multi-generational VWL images 122 and/or VWL image series124 that are created by multi-generational VWL application 100.

At decision step 616, based on the address and/or other locationinformation of the proposed dig area, it may be determined whether asingle input image 118 from image server 516 is needed or multiple inputimages 118 are needed in order to render the full scope of the multiplerelated tickets and/or project ticket. If a single input image 118 onlyis needed to filly render the project (i.e., the “one image-to-multipleVWL” scenario), method 600 proceeds to step 618. However, if multipleinput images 118 are needed to fully render the project (i.e., the“multiple image-to-multiple VWL” scenario), method 600 proceeds to step626.

At step 618, multi-generational VWL application 100 acquires and rendersan input image 118, which may be an aerial image, of the excavation sitelocation. In one example, using VWL user interface 110, the excavator512 may enter the address and/or other location information (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the proposed dig area andmulti-generational VWL application 100 automatically queries imageserver 516 for the corresponding input image 118 which is read into theapplication and rendered in drawing tool 112. In another example,multi-generational VWL application 100 provides a mechanism by which theexcavator 512 may view and pan over an aerial map of a region and thenmanually identify the location of the proposed dig area. Once manuallyidentified, the corresponding input image 118 is read into theapplication and rendered in drawing tool 112. By way of example andreferring again to FIG. 2, an input image 118, such asmulti-generational VWL image 200, is read into the application andrendered in drawing tool 112.

At step 620, the excavator 512 creates the first virtual white line thatdelimits the dig area of the first stage of the project. By way ofexample and referring again to FIG. 2, the excavator 512 creates VWL 201on multi-generational VWL image 200 using drawing tool 112, whichdelimits the dig area of the first stage of the project. Additionally,the excavator 512 is prompted for or otherwise enters information thatis automatically associated with VWL 201. For example, the excavator 512enters the stage number (e.g., stage 1) and the stage date (e.g.,05JAN09), which may be superimposed on multi-generational VWL image 200at VWL 201.

At decision step 622, the excavator 512 is prompted or otherwiseindicates whether another virtual white line is to be created. If yes,method 600 proceeds to step 624. If no, method 600 proceeds to step 636.

At step 624, the excavator 512 creates the next virtual white line thatdelimits the dig area of the next stage of the project. By way ofexample and referring again to FIG. 2, the excavator 512 creates thenext virtual white line, such as VWL 202 (then VWL 203, then VWL 204,and so on) on multi-generational VWL image 200 using drawing tool 112,which delimits the dig area of the next stage of the project.Additionally, the excavator 512 is prompted for or otherwise entersinformation that is automatically associated with the next virtual whiteline, such as VWL 202. For example, for VWL 202, the excavator 512enters the stage number (e.g., stage 2) and the stage date (e.g.,12JAN09), which may be superimposed on multi-generational VWL image 200at VWL 202. Method 600 returns to step 622.

At step 626, multi-generational VWL application 100 acquires and rendersthe first input image 118, which may be an aerial image, of theexcavation site location. In one example, using VWL user interface 110,the excavator 512 may enter the address and/or other locationinformation (e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates) of the first proposeddig area and multi-generational VWL application 100 automaticallyqueries image server 516 for the corresponding input image 118 which isread into the application and rendered in drawing tool 112. In anotherexample, multi-generational VWL application 100 provides a mechanism bywhich the excavator 512 may view and pan over an aerial map of a regionand then manually identify the location of the proposed dig area. Oncemanually identified, the corresponding input image 118 is read into theapplication and rendered in drawing tool 112. By way of example andreferring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, an input image 118, such asmulti-generational VWL image 301, is read into the application andrendered in drawing tool 112.

At step 628, the excavator 512 creates the first virtual white line thatdelimits the dig area of the first stage of the project on the firstinput image 118. By way of example and referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4,the excavator 512 creates VWL 311 on multi-generational VWL image 301using drawing tool 112, which delimits the dig area of the first stageof the project. Additionally, the excavator 512 is prompted for orotherwise enters information that is automatically associated with VWL311. For example, the excavator 512 enters the stage number (e.g., stage1) and the stage date (e.g., 02FEB09), which may be superimposed onmulti-generational VWL image 301 at VWL 311.

At decision step 630, the excavator 512 is prompted or otherwiseindicates whether another virtual white line is to be created. If yes,method 600 proceeds to step 632. If no, the VWL image series is completeand method 600 proceeds to step 636.

At step 632, multi-generational VWL application 100 acquires and rendersthe next input image 118, which may be an aerial image, of theexcavation site location. In one example, using VWL user interface 110,the excavator 512 may enter the address and/or other locationinformation (e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates) of the next proposeddig area and multi-generational VWL application 100 automaticallyqueries image server 516 for the corresponding input image 118 which isread into the application and rendered in drawing tool 112. In anotherexample, multi-generational VWL application 100 provides a mechanism bywhich the excavator 512 may view and pan over an aerial map of a regionand then manually identify the location of the next proposed dig area.Once manually identified, the corresponding input image 118 is read intothe application and rendered in drawing tool 112. By way of example andreferring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, an input image 118, such asmulti-generational VWL image 302 (then multi-generational VWL image 303,then multi-generational VWL image 304), is read into the application andrendered in drawing tool 112.

At step 634, the excavator 512 creates the next virtual white line thatdelimits the dig area of the next stage of the project on the next inputimage 118. By way of example and referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, theexcavator 512 creates the next virtual white line, such as VWL 312 (thenVWL 313, then VWL 314) on multi-generational VWL image 302 (thenmulti-generational VWL image 303, then multi-generational VWL image 304)using drawing tool 112, which delimits the dig area of the next stage ofthe project. Additionally, the excavator 512 is prompted for orotherwise enters information that is automatically associated with thenext virtual white line, such as VWL 312. For example, for VWL 312, theexcavator 512 enters the stage number (e.g., stage 2) and the stage date(e.g., 09FEB09), which may be superimposed on multi-generational VWLimage 302 at VWL 312. The transition from one multi-generational VWLimage to the next may be assisted via geo-coding or other geographicalidentification metadata therein for “stitching” the images together in acontiguous fashion. Method 600 returns to step 630.

At step 636 shown in FIG. 6B, a save operation of multi-generational VWLapplication 100 is performed. In particular, one or more virtual whitelines, one or more multi-generational VWL images, one or more VWL imageseries, and/or other information is saved in multi-generational VWLapplication 100. For example, the excavator 512 may initiate a saveoperation by selecting a SAVE button of VWL user interface 110 in orderto save the contents of the session at application server 510 and/orcentral server 520. In particular, all of the multi-generational VWLimages showing the multi-generational virtual white lines that delimitor otherwise indicate the respective stages of the multiple relatedtickets and/or project ticket are saved as standard machine-readableimage files, such as JPG files, which are hereafter referred to as VWLimage files. During the save operation, the excavator 512 may beprompted to enter certain information. For example, the excavator 512may be prompted to enter the ticket number that was provided by theone-call center 514 at step 612. Additionally, in order to log theone-call center 514 for this ticket, the excavator 512 may be promptedto select the originating one-call center 514.

At step 638, multi-generational VWL application 100 creates one or moredescriptor files 126 for all information associated with themulti-generational VWL images and/or VWL image series of the session.For example, when each multi-generational VWL image and/or VWL imageseries is saved, a corresponding descriptor file 126 (e.g.,corresponding XML file) is created that includes information about themulti-generational VWL images and/or VWL image series, such asmulti-generational VWL image 200 of FIG. 2 and/or VWL image series 300of FIG. 3 and 4. For example and with respect to multiple-stageexcavation projects, each descriptor file 126 may include the ticketnumber, the name of multi-generational VWL image, the name of the VWLimage series, the stage number and stage date with respect to eachvirtual while line of the multiple related tickets and/or projectticket, and other information as discussed above.

At step 640, ticket assembly component 524 queries the file directory ofapplication server 510 in order to identify descriptor files 126 thatcorrespond to active tickets of one-call centers 514. This may beaccomplished by matching the ticket number information of descriptorfiles 126 to active tickets of one-call centers 514.

At step 642, once a descriptor file 126 that corresponds to an activeticket is identified, ticket assembly component 524 reads the identifieddescriptor file 126 and searches for the VWL image files 530 of themulti-generational VWL images that are specified therein for the ticketof interest. In one example and referring to FIG. 2, multi-generationalVWL image 200 may be specified in the identified descriptor file 126. Inanother example and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, multi-generational VWLimages 301, 302, 303, and 304 of VWL image series 300 may be specifiedin the identified descriptor file 126.

At step 644, ticket assembly component 524 bundles themulti-generational VWL images (in the form of VWL image files 530) thatare specified in the identified descriptor file 126 along with itscorresponding ticket information in order to create a certain ticket526. In one example and referring to FIG. 2, a VWL image file 530 ofmulti-generational VWL image 200 may be bundled along with itscorresponding ticket information in order to create a certain ticket526. In another example and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, VWL image files530 of multi-generational VWL images 301, 302, 303, and 304 of VWL imageseries 300 may be bundled in the correct order along with thecorresponding ticket information in order to create a certain ticket526.

According to one example, the ticket assembly component 524 forms aticket bundle by assembling a file including the at least one image andthe ticket information. Alternatively, the ticket assembly component 524may form the ticket bundle by associating a file including the at leastone image and a file including the ticket information. The ticket bundleneed not include the actual at least one image. Instead, the ticketbundle may comprise information specifying or permitting access to theat least one image (e.g., a link to the at least one image). Thus, theticket bundle may comprise a file including the ticket information and alink (e.g., a hyperlink) to the at least one image. In someimplementations, the ticket bundle may include one or more descriptorfiles themselves.

At step 646, one or more tickets 526 are dispatched and locate personnel528 retrieve the one or more tickets 526 (e.g., from central server 520)via their respective onsite computers 532. For example, the tickets 526may be electronically transmitted to the locate personnel 528 from thecentral server 520. Alternatively, the tickets 526 may be madeaccessible to the locate personnel 528 on the central server 520. In oneexample and referring to FIG. 2, a certain locate personnel 528retrieves a ticket 526 that includes the VWL image file 530 ofmulti-generational VWL image 200 along with its corresponding ticketinformation. In another example and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, acertain locate personnel 528 retrieves a ticket 526 that includes theVWL image files 530 of multi-generational VWL images 301, 302, 303, and304 of VWL image series 300 along with the corresponding ticketinformation. According to yet another example, the ticket may include alink to the one or more VWL images or other information specifying orpermitting access to the one or more VWL images, rather than includingthe image or images themselves. As noted above, custom viewers also maybe employed by ticket recipients to provide limited access to VWLimages,

At step 648, locate personnel 528 views the ticket information and themulti-generational VWLs in order to perform a locate operation. In oneexample and referring to FIG. 2, a certain locate personnel 528 usesviewer 534 to view information of ticket 526 and to view VWL 201 through211 of multi-generational VWL image 200 in order to perform the locateoperation according to the order and date specified thereon. In anotherexample and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a certain locate personnel 528uses viewer 534 to view information of ticket 526 and to view VWL 311 ofmulti-generational VWL image 301, VWL 312 of multi-generational VWLimage 302, VWL 313 of multi-generational VWL image 303, and VWL 314 ofmulti-generational VWL image 304 in order to perform the locateoperation according to the order and date specified thereon.

It should be appreciate that while the foregoing example relates to amethod of operation and/or of using a multi-generational VWL system, themethod may also apply to single stage projects and single VWL imagefiles.

In summary, multi-generational VWL application 100, multi-generationalVWL system 500, and/or method 600 may provide improved tools for clearlydocumenting plans for staged excavation with respect to, for example,multiple related tickets and/or project tickets that is not otherwiseavailable using current processes.

Further, multi-generational VWL application 100, multi-generational VWLsystem 500, and/or method 600 may provide improved communicationmechanisms between excavators and locate personnel for synchronizingstaged excavation activities and locate operations that are nototherwise available using current processes.

Yet further, because of the improved communication mechanisms betweenexcavators and locate personnel, multi-generational VWL application 100,multi-generational VWL system 500, and/or method 600 may provideimproved operating efficiency for both excavation companies and locateservice providers. Still further, because of the improved tools andcommunication mechanisms between excavators and locate personnel,multi-generational VWL application 100, multi-generational VWL system500, and/or method 600 may reduce or entirely eliminate the uncertaintyfor excavators about the status and/or quality of locate operations,which may reduce or entirely eliminate the risk of damage to undergroundfacilities.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. Alldefinitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to controlover dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated byreference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinitearticles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understoodto mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,”, or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for generating a digital virtualwhite line image to facilitate performance of a locate and markingoperation by a field technician, the locate and marking operationcomprising detecting and marking by the field technician, using at leastone physical locate mark placed on ground, pavement or other surface, apresence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a digarea, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities, the apparatus comprising: acommunication interface; a memory to store processor-executableinstructions; and a processing unit coupled to the communicationinterface and the memory, wherein upon execution of theprocessor-executable instructions by the processing unit, the processingunit: electronically receives, via the communication interface, at leastone user input relating to the dig area, the at least one user inputconstituted by a user electronically sketching, on a base digital imageof a geographic area that includes the dig area, an outline of aboundary of the dig area so as to provide at least one electronic digarea indicator that precisely delimits the dig area on the base digitalimage; based on the at least one user input, renders the digital virtualwhite line image including the at least one dig area indicator toprecisely delimit the dig area on the base digital image and therebyprovide at least one indication of the dig area with respect to thegeographic area; and transmits a limited access file comprisinginformation relating to the digital virtual white line image, via thecommunication interface, to the field technician and/or at least oneparty associated with dispatching the field technician to the dig area,so as to facilitate the field technician's performance of the locate andmarking operation to detect and mark the presence or the absence of theat least one underground facility within the dig area, wherein theprocessing unit transmits the limited access file with data identifyinga ticket with which the digital virtual white line image is associated;wherein the limited access file is at least one of a password protectedfile, a proprietary file, and an encrypted file, and wherein the limitedaccess file is configured so as to facilitate viewing of the digitalvirtual white line image only via a corresponding image file viewer. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the limited access file is a passwordprotected file.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the limited accessfile has a proprietary format.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thelimited access file has a proprietary filename extension.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the limited access file is an encryptedfile.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information related tothe digital virtual white line image comprises a limited access virtualwhite line image or data usable to render the limited access virtualwhite line image.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the limitedaccess file comprises version information identifying a correspondingversion of the image file viewer to facilitate viewing of the digitalvirtual white line image.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theprocessing unit transmits the corresponding image file viewer, via thecommunication interface, to the field technician and/or at least oneparty associated with dispatching the field technician to the dig area.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the image file viewer preventswrite access to the limited access virtual white line image.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the image file viewer prevents save accessto the limited access virtual white line image.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the image file viewer prevents copy access to thelimited access virtual white line image.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the image file viewer is programmed to require an indication ofacceptance of terms and/or conditions prior to permitting the limitedaccess virtual white line image to be viewed.
 13. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the image file viewer is programmed to determine whether anupdated version of the image file viewer is available.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the information relating to the digital virtualwhite line image comprises an image and dig area information relating tothe at least one dig area indicator.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the dig area information comprises geographic coordinates of thedig area.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the dig areainformation specifies virtual white lines to be rendered on the image.17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the dig area informationcomprises access permission information specifying access permissionsfor the dig area information.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theinformation relating to the digital virtual white line image comprisesan XML file including the dig area information.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the information relating to the digital virtual whiteline image comprises metadata including the dig area information. 20.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the information relating to thedigital virtual white line image comprises metadata including at leastone of: date and/or time information indicating when the digital virtualwhite line image was created; creator information indicating a creatorof the digital virtual white line image; geographic location informationidentifying a location of the dig area; provider information identifyinga service used to create the digital virtual white line image; andgeographic coordinate information identifying geographic coordinatescorresponding to the digital virtual white line image.
 21. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein the information relating to the digital virtualwhite line image comprises a descriptor file including at least one of:date and/or time information indicating when the digital virtual whiteline image was created; creator information indicating a creator of thedigital virtual white line image; geographic location informationidentifying a location of the dig area; provider information identifyinga service used to create the digital virtual white line image; andgeographic coordinate information identifying geographic coordinatescorresponding to the digital virtual white line image.
 22. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the data identifying the ticket comprises metadataassociated with the digital virtual white line image.
 23. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the data identifying the ticket comprises adescriptor file.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dataidentifying the ticket comprises a ticket number.
 25. A method forgenerating a digital virtual white line image to facilitate performanceof a locate and marking operation by a field technician, the locate andmarking operation comprising detecting and marking by the fieldtechnician, using at least one physical locate mark placed on ground,pavement or other surface, a presence or an absence of at least oneunderground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion ofthe dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities,the method comprising: A) electronically receiving at least one userinput relating to the dig area, the at least one user input constitutedby a user electronically sketching, on a base digital image of ageographic area that includes the dig area, an outline of a boundary ofthe dig area so as to provide at least one electronic dig area indicatorthat precisely delimits the dig area on the base digital image; B) basedon the at least one user input, rendering, via at least one processingunit, the digital virtual white line image including the at least onedig area indicator to precisely delimit the dig area on the base imageand thereby provide at least one indication of the dig area with respectto the geographic area; and C) electronically transmitting a limitedaccess file comprising information relating to the digital virtual whiteline image to the field technician and/or at least one party associatedwith dispatching the field technician to the dig area, so as tofacilitate the field technician's performance of the locate and markingoperation to detect and mark the presence or the absence of the at leastone underground facility within the dig area, wherein the limited accessfile is transmitted with data identifying a ticket with which thedigital virtual white line image is associated, wherein the limitedaccess file is at least one of a password protected file, a proprietaryfile, and an encrypted file, and wherein the limited access file isconfigured, via the at least one processing unit, so as to facilitateviewing of the digital virtual white line image only via a correspondingimage file viewer.
 26. At least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at leastone processing unit, perform a method for generating a digital virtualwhite line image to facilitate performance of a locate and markingoperation by a field technician, the locate and marking operationcomprising detecting and marking by the field technician, using at leastone physical locate mark placed on ground, pavement or other surface, apresence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a digarea, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated ordisturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising: A)electronically receiving at least one user input relating to the digarea, the at least one user input constituted by a user electronicallysketching, on a base digital image of a geographic area that includesthe dig area, an outline of a boundary of the dig area so as to provideat least one electronic dig area indicator that precisely delimits thedig area on the base digital image; B) based on the at least one userinput, rendering the digital virtual white line image including the atleast one dig area indicator to precisely delimit the dig area on thebase digital image and thereby provide at least one indication of thedig area with respect to the geographic area; and C) electronicallytransmitting a limited access file comprising information relating tothe digital virtual white line image to the field technician and/or atleast one party associated with dispatching the field technician to thedig area, so as to facilitate the field technician's performance of thelocate and marking operation to detect and mark the presence or theabsence of the at least one underground facility within the dig area,wherein the limited access tile is transmitted with data identifying aticket with which the digital virtual white line image is associated,wherein the limited access tile is at least one of a password protectedfile, a proprietary file, and an encrypted file, and wherein the limitedaccess file is configured so as to facilitate viewing of the digitalvirtual white line image only via a corresponding image file viewer.